Manchester United’s struggles continued as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, Erik ten Hag’s team conceded three goals and saw Bruno Fernandes sent off for the second consecutive game.
United started brightly, with Christian Eriksen setting up Marcus Rashford for the opening goal in the seventh minute. Eriksen was also involved in the second goal, finding Rashford who assisted Rasmus Højlund for a powerful strike.
However, Porto responded with two goals in quick succession from Pepê and Samu to level the score before halftime. After the break, Samu scored again to give Porto the lead, but United fought back with a late equalizer from substitute Harry Maguire in the first minute of injury time.
Fernandes’ red card in the 81st minute for a high boot on Nehuen Perez compounded United’s misery. The Portuguese midfielder had also been sent off in a 3-0 loss to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Ten Hag expressed frustration with his team’s performance, saying, “We started the game very good, we dominated, we scored two good goals but then we lost control. The middle part was no good and then we finished very good. … We got the equalizer so it is good for the spirit.”
The draw leaves United with two draws in the Europa League group stage and without a win in their last four games in all competitions. They will face Omonia Nicosia in their next Europa League match on October 13.
